In their search for the ultimate in imaging, professional
photographers continue to be on the lookout for the Holy Grail of
digital SLRs. Top camera manufacturers continue to meet
photographers' demands for higher resolution, faster processing
speeds, and special features that will help bring their
photographic vision to the next level. Digital Imaging takes a look
below at some of the newest offerings on the DSLR landscape. Some
are available today and a few are just about ready to hit the
market.

The world's fastest AF-SLR camera (as of Jan, 2004), it achieves
an impressive speed even when shooting RAW. 8.5 frames per second
are maintained with maximum bursts of 40 shots in Large JPEG and 20
shots in RAW format, whether in the One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF
mode.

Other features in this new model include: an advanced Evaluative
Through-the-Lens (E-TTL) Autoflash system; white balance
compensation; seven color matrix settings (five presets and two
customizable options); improved software features; and the widest
ISO speed range of any EOS digital camera (built-in settings of
100-1600, and extendable as low as 50 or as high as 3200 through
the ISO extension menu).

Fuji Finepix s3 pro

Housed in a sturdy polycarbonate body with an F-mount lens
fitting, and following in the footsteps of the very popular Fuji S2
Pro, the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro boasts a new 4th generation Super CCD
SR Sensor with 6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels ,
producing up to 12.1 million effective pixels. The wider dynamic
range results in broader tonal response, greater smoothness and
more natural-looking images, even when dealing with bright lights
and deep shadows.

The S3 Pro accepts a wide range of Nikon-mount lenses, and it
has approximately a 1.5x magnification factor. It is powered by
only 4 AA batteries, instead of the two types previously
required.

Other features of the S3 include: intelligent flash with a D-TTL
full-aperture exposure metering system; dual shutter release
buttons; two media slots capable of handling the xD-Picture Card or
CF Type II cards. Shutter speeds range from 30 sec. to 1/4000 and
both high-speed IEEE 1394(Firewire) and USB 2.0 interfaces are
provided for optimal transfer speed and capability.

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

The Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n delivers medium-format quality and 35mm
flexibility. Made for Nikon mount lenses and using a new
4,536x3,024, 12-bit CMOS imager that covers the entire 24mmx36mm
image area, the SLR/n allows photographers to tap into wide-angle
benefits without the need for ultra-wide lenses. The new sensor,
which records 13.5 million pixels, uses High Performance-Low Noise
(HPLN) technology to increase sensitivity and reduce noise levels
to achieve a much higher ISO performancesaid to be the broadest in
the business, with a range of 6-1600.

Variable resolutions offer freedom of choicephotographers can
select from 3, 6, or 14-megapixel options for whatever shooting
situation they encounter (captured at about 1.7 frames per second).
Plus, images can be saved as either RAW files, standard JPEGs, or
Kodak Professional's Extended Range Imaging Technology (ERI) JPEG
files, which can be corrected or enhanced by the photographer after
a shooting session.

Other features of the SLR/n include a longer exposure mode
(allowing for exposures up to 60 seconds at lower ISO settings); a
convenient 'sleep' mode to save battery life; and free firmware and
software upgrades to let photographers stay in the forefront of
imaging technology. One very special option is a built-in 'Pocket
Wizard' transmitter, allowing photographers to free themselves of
wires and external transmitters.

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c

With specs virtually identical to the SLR/n, the Kodak DCS Pro
SLR/c offers something new from Kodak-a DSLR that accepts Canon EF
mount lenses. As with the SLR/n, the SLR/c has dual slots for CF
Type I and II, as well as MultiMedia cards.

Nikon D70

Nikon's new DX Format CCD imaging sensor is the hallmark of the
company's new 6.1 effective megapixel D70. No matter what a
photographer's lighting situation, white balance is kept under
control with the Nikon 3D Color Matrix Meter. With an ability to
shoot at three frames per second, images are viewable on a 1.8''
130,000 dot LCD screen with user-friendly menus.

Photographers can choose from seven new automated Digital
Vari-Program selections (including Auto, Portrait, Landscape,
Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape) and three
color modes, thanks to a next-generation color reproduction system.
Also new on the D70: a JPEG+NEF Combination Filing System that
enables simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG data in the
same shot, helping to expedite workflow in time-critical shooting
situations.